Choosing the Top GPS Luggage Tracker to Keep Your Suitcase Safe This Year
When traveling for business or leisure, there’s nothing worse than starting off your trip with a lost suitcase. Firstly, you experience the frustration of hanging around the airport for hours, and then you wait for half of your trip to see if it’s going to arrive. A GPS luggage tracker is one of the best ways to keep tabs on your suitcase from the start to the end of your trip. It will allow you to track its every move, so if you do find your suitcase doesn’t arrive, you at least have an idea of its current location. Not all GPS luggage trackers offer the same benefits, so today, we’re going to share with you the key features you should look for when purchasing a new luggage tracker this year.
Durability
We all know how much wear and tear a suitcase goes through before it arrives at its final destination. Ensure you purchase a durable and hard wearing luggage tracker that’s made of strong material. You know your suitcase is going to be thrown around by baggage handlers on the journey and end up crushed beneath a mountain of suitcases. Try to find a luggage tracker that is of a reasonable size so that it won’t get lost or squished on its travels.
GPS vs Bluetooth Technology
GPS is generally the best option for a luggage tracker, but you will see some trackers on the market today offer Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth is generally used for close-range tracking, such as finding your phone or keys nearby. This is something you’d use within your house but isn’t suitable for finding a suitcase that could be hundreds or thousands of miles away from your current location. GPS trackers are able to track a suitcase in another city or country, but some travelers opt to have both types of devices. A GPS tracker will share your suitcase’s current location with the server, and then you can track its exact location from your mobile phone. Unless there are a lot of obstructions nearby, they are usually very accurate.
Materials
GPS trackers are not a very cheap investment, and so you’ll want to make sure you choose one that’s made from a solid material. Many of the GPS trackers come as a small tag or device, which usually has a strong metal or plastic covering. If you do find a GPS tracker which looks like a luggage tag, make sure it has strong buckles that won’t become detached during your journey. There are also GPS trackers available just for cars and for pets, but these are designed with these uses in mind and aren’t suitable for luggage.
Additional Fees
When comparing GPS trackers, you’ll find that they may look quite inexpensive upfront. However, many of the cheaper models have additional fees on top of that. Check the listing of the product you are purchasing carefully to see whether there is an additional subscription fee for the service. Some of the fees are charged monthly or annually, and unless you are a frequent flyer, you may not find this expense to be worth it. Some offer you a year or two free with your purchase, which makes it a much better deal. Also, double-check that the app is free to download and use. There’s nothing worse than ordering a new luggage tracker just to find out you have to pay more fees to even get going on your trip.
Compatibility
Most GPS trackers rely on a mobile phone for you to see where your luggage is located. Before buying a GPS tracker this year, make sure that your mobile phone is compatible with the company’s app or website. If you have an Android device, ensure that the app isn’t just for iPhones, or you may be left with something that’s completely useless for you to use. When it is time for you to travel, make sure you are going to have access to the internet when you are at the airport. You’ll either need a working SIM card or a Wi-Fi connection at all times to see where in the world your luggage has got to. These high tech devices are an excellent tool for anyone who is traveling, but make sure you take the time to set it up and test it before saying goodbye to your suitcase at the airport.
Other Tracker Options
As well as the Bluetooth trackers we mentioned above, you’ll also see luggage tags available. These tags require you to register your personal details on a website in advance. From there, if your bag is misplaced on your journey, someone who finds it can scan the QR code to receive your personal details and get in touch with you. While this is a great budget-friendly option with no subscription fee, obviously, you have no way of knowing where in the world your bag is. However, it’s a good choice for a cheap backup in case you lose your suitcase.
A GPS tracker is becoming one of the most popular travel accessories for frequent flyers today. For anyone who worries about losing their precious luggage on their vacation, you’ll find this to be a great option for keeping track of your suitcase until you are reunited at your final destination.